At the moment of farewell, corruption allegations were made against Tajul, to which he responded by calling them “false.”

On the very day of his departure from the position of Chief Prosecutor at the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tajul Islam has faced serious allegations of corruption and malpractice. The accusations were made by the outgoing tribunal prosecutor, B M Sultan Mahmud, who claims that a syndicate under Tajul Islam exploited the Chief Prosecutor’s office for financial gain.

The allegations first emerged through a Facebook post on Monday by a user identified as Kazi Mostafizur Rahman Ahad, titled “Tribunal’s Settling Trade and State Witness Drama: Why Tajul Islam Is Being Removed?” Within this post, Sultan Mahmud commented twice, levelling accusations against Tajul Islam and fellow prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim.

Sultan Mahmud also questioned the appointments of former police officials, including former Inspector General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and former Ashulia Police Sub-Inspector Sheikh Abzalul Haq, as state witnesses (‘approvers’). He highlighted alleged irregularities in high-profile cases, such as the Rangpur Abu Saeed murder case and the Ashulia incidents, claiming that certain police officers were improperly absolved from prosecution despite evidence of wrongdoing.

Summary of Allegations by B M Sultan Mahmud

Sultan Mahmud told Prothom Alo that he possesses proof of these allegations.

Tajul Islam Responds

In response, Tajul Islam categorically denied all accusations. Speaking to reporters at the tribunal after his appointment was revoked, he said:

“We do not give credence to individual accusations. These statements appear to stem from personal grievances. The tribunal’s proceedings have been fully transparent, and any false allegations are immediately evident to both the public and the media.”

He further refuted claims regarding the Ashulia case, stating:

“I was not informed of any such incident. All such claims are entirely false and politically motivated. Our judicial process has been transparent and verifiable through court proceedings.”

Transition at the Tribunal

Following Tajul Islam’s departure, Md Aminul Islam has been appointed as the new Chief Prosecutor. On his first day at the tribunal, Aminul Islam refrained from commenting on the allegations, stating:

“I will review any matters that are formally brought to my attention. Today, as a guest on my first day, I am not in a position to address these issues.”

The controversy highlights the tense final hours of Tajul Islam’s tenure, with questions about accountability, transparency, and the integrity of witness management at the tribunal.